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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS IN FRANCE |
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LINK TO... FRANCE HOME PAGE |
The quote above is an old proverb that aptly describes France at the beginning of the 21st century. France has a rich tradition of kings that ruled by divine right, fairytale castles, great medieval armies, and 18th century philosophes. Many people see France today as the continuing epitome of sophistication - haute couture fashion, gourmet cooking, fine dining, expensive cars, and intellectual and cultural classiness. On the other hand, some critics believe that the glory days of France are over, and that the country is out of pace with the modern world. According to this view, France is part of "Old Europe" that thinks of itself as more important than it is and clings to beliefs that are better suited to the past than to the globalized, fragmented world of the present. The French political system reacts to both views, and as a result, sometimes appears to outsiders as hopelessly contradictory. In fact, France has a complex history that has shaped a conflictual political culture of cherished traditions countered by radical, abrupt changes. Democracy did not come easy to France. Despite upheavals that would have destroyed other nations, France has somehow survived, and over the past half century has become far more stable. Today France enjoys one of the healthiest economies in Europe, a mix of socialism and capitalism. However, the French political system continues to surprise and baffle modern observers, even as recently as the events surrounding the presidential elections of 2002. This website is intended to help you understand something of the complex, contradictory, and often perplexing political system of France! For your assignment on France, click here.  |
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